Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Travis Keyes. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Travis, appreciate you joining us today. Do you wish you had waited to pursue your creative career or do you wish you had started sooner?
“Do you wish you had started your creative career sooner or later?”
That’s an intriguing question. Looking back, my journey might appear to be a winding path with several twists and turns. But honestly, I wouldn’t have had it any other way. My past experiences in film & TV production, and later owning and running Restaurants, Bars, and Nightclubs in NY, CT, and Miami, have shaped the artist I am today. They provided me with the business acumen, the understanding of visual storytelling, and the appreciation for authenticity that have become cornerstones of my photography practice.
Starting my creative career earlier or later would have changed this unique trajectory. The timing of my career shift into photography happened when it needed to – when I was ready not just to take photos, but to tell stories, connect with subjects, and express my artistic vision. Plus, the life experiences I gained beforehand made me more resilient and gave me a different perspective that I might not have had if I started out as a photographer straight away.
Being a photographer isn’t just about the technical skills; it’s also about relating to people, understanding their stories, and capturing their essence. The knowledge and insights I gained from my previous careers, as well as my education at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts and the International Center of Photography, have greatly enriched my ability to do that.
In retrospect, each step of my journey was instrumental in shaping my artistry and business mindset. The path might not have been linear, but it led me to where I am meant to be. So no, I don’t wish I had started my creative career sooner or later. I trust in the timing of my life and believe that my journey unfolded as it should have. It’s made me the artist I am today, and for that, I am profoundly grateful.
Travis, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I am Travis W. Keyes, a New York-based photographer, visual artist, filmmaker, and creative soul with an eclectic background. Before falling in love with photography, I found myself navigating through careers in film & TV production and Owning restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. These experiences built a unique and solid base that allowed me to bring a different perspective to my photography, one that seamlessly combines cinematic influences and an innate ability to create authentic connections. My journey into photography was not a random detour; it was a carefully choreographed dance guided by passion. When the camera found me, it was like finding a missing piece of my soul. I embarked on a voyage that was as transformative as it was rewarding. Today, I’m blessed to do what I love every day and earn a living from it.
As a photographer, my work centers on capturing the ‘in-between’ moments, the hidden aspects that reveal true emotions and stories. This is my unique proposition in the market, setting me apart from the crowd. I am not just about clicking pictures; I am about creating a comfortable space for authentic expression, all while building trust and capturing images that leave a lasting impression.
One of the aspects of my work that I am immensely proud of is my ability to problem-solve on the fly, keeping creativity at the forefront. No two shoots are the same, and I love that each project brings its own set of challenges, making every success sweeter. Whether I’m working with a uncomfortable in front of a camera CEO on a headshot, to empowering people to feel confident and special, to working with Celebrities collaborating to show off their unique creativity.
Working with brands like Adobe and Sony has not only validated my path but has also enriched my skills and service offerings. As a content creator and advocate, I am privileged to have the tools and platform to inspire, share, and connect on a larger scale.
As for my brand, I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know that I am committed to empathy, collaboration, and delivering beyond expectations. Every project is a chance to create something meaningful and impactful, whether for an individual’s personal branding or a corporate client’s campaign.
Looking to the future, my aspiration is to continue growing my skills and creativity, work with a huge variety of people throughout the world, and to use my photography as a tool to inspire and provoke thought. I am excited to create images that resonate on a personal level and open people’s eyes to new perspectives, contributing positively to the global community.
In a nutshell, I am a photographer with a passion for seeing beyond the obvious, a lover of all things creative, and a believer in the power of images to tell compelling stories and evoke emotion. This is who I am, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
Absolutely. A thriving creative ecosystem is essential for the growth and cultural richness of our society. In my opinion, supporting artists and creatives, particularly in today’s highly digitized world, requires a multi-pronged approach.
Promote art education: Artists are born when creativity is nurtured from a young age. This begins with accessible, well-funded art programs in schools that encourage children to explore their creative potential and provide the technical foundation needed to excel in their chosen fields.
Provide financial support: While the value of art extends beyond monetary worth, artists still need to make a living. More grants, fellowships, and fair compensation for creative work can alleviate financial stress, allowing artists to focus on creating.
Create opportunities for exposure: This can be done through publicly funded art programs, exhibitions, and utilizing digital platforms. The opportunity for artists to share their work on a wider scale not only garners recognition but also opens the door for diverse artistic expressions to reach a global audience.
Embrace diversity: Artists from underrepresented groups should be given platforms to showcase their work, with initiatives actively addressing and breaking down the barriers they often face. This is not just a matter of fairness—it enriches the entire artistic field with new perspectives and narratives.
Leverage technology: As a photographer, I’ve witnessed firsthand how tools from companies like Sony and Adobe can transform the artistic process. Society should be more open to the ways technology can enhance art, not fear it. New tech should be seen as a catalyst for creativity, enabling artists to push boundaries and continually evolve their craft.
I’ve been fortunate in my career to experience different sectors—film and TV production, running restaurants, bars, and nightclubs, and of course, photography. This diverse background has enriched my perspective as an artist and given me a unique advantage in understanding different audiences and their needs. But no matter the medium, at the core of my work is a deep-seated desire to connect and share human experiences, to capture the fleeting moments that collectively weave the tapestry of our lives.
As Chairman of the Board for American Photographic Artists NY, I’ve had the privilege of engaging with some of the most talented minds in the industry. This role has reinforced my belief in the power of community and collaboration, reminding me that when artists support each other, the entire ecosystem thrives.
Lastly, I think it’s essential for society to realize that the value of art is not confined to the walls of galleries or the pages of glossy magazines. Art permeates every facet of our lives—it shapes our cultures, starts conversations, and, most importantly, makes us feel. It’s about transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary and seeing the extraordinary in the ordinary, one frame at a time.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
“Being an artist or creative is, at its core, an exploration. Not just of the world around us, but of our own interior landscapes. For me, the most rewarding aspect of this journey is that my art serves as a key. A key that unlocks doors to aspects of my own personality and connections with others that I didn’t even know existed.
Like many, I have a dual nature – the introvert and the extrovert. Each feeds into the other, and when one energy source runs low, I pivot and draw from the other. This dance between extroversion and introversion can often feel like navigating through a room full of locked doors. The act of creating, of lifting my camera and framing a moment, becomes a master key to these locked doors. It breaks barriers, allowing me to connect with people in ways that I might not be able to do otherwise.
I recall countless instances where I’ve been in a room full of strangers, feeling my introverted side start to take hold. But when I engage with my camera, the dynamic changes. The camera acts as a buffer, empowering me with confidence. Suddenly, the room feels smaller, less intimidating, and the strangers become familiar faces as I connect with them through my lens.
The pinnacle of this reward is when I capture someone’s essence in a photograph and get to share that with them. Seeing their eyes light up as they recognize themselves through my work – that’s an indescribably fulfilling moment. It’s as if I’ve managed to translate my vision into something tangible that resonates with them on a deeply personal level. It’s an affirmation, not just of their spirit, but also of my skill and passion as an artist.
So, in essence, the most rewarding part of being an artist for me is the ability to unlock new perspectives, form unique connections, and make visible the unseen. It’s about transforming the ordinary into extraordinary, one frame at a time.”
Contact Info:
- Website: www.traviswkeyes.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twkeyes/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/travis.keyes
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/traviswkeyes
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/TravisWKeyes
- Youtube: https://www.facebook.com/travis.keyes
- Other: threads: www.threads.net/@twkeyes
Image Credits
all photos taken by Travis W Keyes